Governor Hope Uzodimma Condemns Attempted Widowhood ‘Corpse Water’ Ritual in Awo-Omamma, Orders Full Investigation

The Imo State Government has condemned in strong terms the attempted reintroduction of a barbaric widowhood practice in Awo-Omamma, Oru East Local Government Area, where a widow was reportedly coerced to partake in a degrading ritual involving the drinking of water used to bathe her late husband’s corpse.

Governor Hope Uzodimma described the act as “barbaric, cruel, and completely unacceptable in a civilized society.” Speaking through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Groups, Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Ugwu, the Governor ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident and vowed that all perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Mrs. Chika Ndubuisi, widow of the late Mr. Odinakachi Ndubuisi, was accused by her in-laws of causing her husband’s death and subsequently detained inside an ambulance with the corpse. Reports indicate that she was being compelled to drink the so-called “corpse water” to prove her innocence before authorities intervened.

According to Chief Ugwu, the prompt intervention of the Ministry of Women Affairs, working in collaboration with the Chairman of Oru East Local Government Area and relevant security agencies, successfully prevented the inhuman act. The rescue followed swift alerts from women’s advocacy organizations, including the Onurube Coalition, Virgin Heart Foundation, and Harsco Global Media.

The Commissioner confirmed that the widow and her children have been rescued and placed under government protection, while several suspects linked to the attempted ritual have been arrested. She added that the Ministry has commenced a detailed investigation to identify all individuals involved and ensure justice is served.

Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for dehumanizing cultural practices, especially those targeting widows and vulnerable persons, stressing that such acts contradict both the laws and moral values of Imo State.

“Our administration will not tolerate any form of abuse or inhuman treatment against women. Such practices belong in the past and have no place in our modern society,” the Governor declared.

The Imo State Government assured the public that Mrs. Ndubuisi and her children remain safe under government care, as efforts continue to enforce justice and protect the rights of widows across the state.

Emeka Nwosu